Some of you already know about me. My primary language is Japanese. I also speak fluent English and Spanish.
I am from a conservative (non-academic) family and raised in a monolingual Japanese environment. When I was a teen, I became interested in foreign cultures. I chose Spanish as my college major.
Before moving to Florida. I lived in Thailand and Spain. In Florida, I earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and I am currently working at an EdTech company.
4 Benefits of learning a foreign language:
- Help to connect with more people
- Improve communication skills
- Become more creative
- Increase job opportunities
In May, I returned to Japan. I was asked at the airport, “Please show me your passport” in English. I was a little sad to not be asked in Japanese.
I sometimes wonder why I used to long for life abroad. Did I want to change my life? Or did I just want to escape from tradition?
Lately I feel I have lost something. Well, I haven’t regretted my decision.
Photo by Pixabay
6 responses to “Which languages do you speak and how did that impact your life?”
That’s an amazing journey!! But yes in Japan they should all speak in Japanese, just as it should be Sanskrit in Bharat. But unfortunately, here too English is imposed, whereas the majority of the world does not use English. In UK Urdu is now the language, while US has more Spanish and Chinese.
In Japan, the airport staff probably thought I was a foreign tourist. My skin is suntanned, and I don’t hesitate to do anything…😅
What language is in demand depends on economic growth and the number of immigrants. In the US, Spanish is an important language next to English. The number of Spanish speakers will increase in the future.
I live in South Florida. There is a big Cuban community, and over 70% of residents speak Spanish. Not only Spanish, but also French, Portuguese, and Russian are widely spoken. Japanese is rare here. In California, Hawaii, and New York, many Asians are living. I heard that Japanese is a popular language. I want to learn other languages 😊
That’s amazing information underscoring how other languages are more important in the U.S. than English. The English era is over and we must all wake to emerging reality rather than being adamant ostriches.
Learning languages is getting to know the culture and customs better of many countries. In my job as finance director of a multinational it helped me get to know the needs better and to speak and gain information from a wider audience. I speak fluent Spanish , Englisn, French , and Portuguese. And some collegues would tell me I do ok in Rumanian and Italian. Insightful post. Cheers
Wow! You can speak six languages! Amazing! 😊
I want to ask you. I know you have lived in multiple countries. Have you ever experienced confusing your identity?
Lately, I have felt it. I was born and raised in Japan, but I have been abroad almost half of my life. My family is not Japanese, and I speak English every day. I think language is associated with personal (and/or cultural) identity.
Never my feet on the ground and strings Catholic tradition. Left Cuba 55 years ago but Cuba never left me’